https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 30 Apr 2026 05:40:54 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907547 Sat, 04 Jan 2020 10:47:29 +0000 periwinklebee 2907547@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I decided to stick with the smoke detectors that are hard wired through the American Alarm system the previous owners bought - they work even without a monitoring contract from them, which we are not going to purchase. I would prefer Nest detectors, but we have one in every room and every little hallway space (it's an old house so lots of small rooms and hallways/square footage) plus several in the unfinished basement and attic. Our home insurance policy reflects the fact that all our smoke detectors are hard wired into a single system - if we deviated piecemeal from that by installing a few smart detectors that aren't all wired with the others, insurance could refuse to pay in the event of a fire. And I wasn't up for updating the entire system with smart detectors, given the costs. </p> <p>We did buy a ring sensor that will detect when the smoke alarm goes off and notify ring monitoring, seems to get good reviews. We haven't set up the ring system yet, but it's high on our agenda when things calm down a bit in the new year. We bought sensors for break in and smoke, as well as outdoor cameras and the ring doorbell. </p> <p>I did also buy Nest thermostats on Black Friday. We need to run a new wire down to the boiler in the basement to ensure good performance (existing thermostats are super old and don't have it). We will have that done when the electrician comes back to take care of some things on renovations that we are currently doing. I'll report back, but am optimistic that we'll be happy with them.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907529 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 21:02:17 +0000 Littlebit7 2907529@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: girrrll you and me both. We have nest cams in our kids rooms. SimpliSafe inside. And then we have a legit outdoor surveillance setup with multiple cams and views, linked to a huge hard drive so it is always recording and we have playback. Sooo...yeah. We are a little nuts. </p> [attach=6581/20/q3k8bt.277x600.74EDDDD8-E70C-4826-A847-B14AB852DA74.jpeg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907512 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 16:00:35 +0000 bees_knees 2907512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: good to know about their customer service! And yes we have smoke detectors hardwired in every bedroom/hallway/living area too! I just didn’t know if I needed more than one SimpliSafe detector to trigger the alarm (does that make sense?) </p> <p>I see SimpliSafe doesn’t have an outdoor camera tho...My brother and sister both use Blink for outdoor cameras and really like them so we might do that. Watch me get like 6 different security system brands 🤦🏻‍♀️ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907510 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 15:55:05 +0000 agold 2907510@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: I nest cameras for personal monitoring. I love them. I also have simpli safe for alarm, but I do not have the simpli safe cameras. I am going to be adding glass break detection and the water leak sensors asap. Simpli safe has amazing customer service. Regarding smoke detectors, I actually have them in every floor and in every bedroom. I think this is required in my state and I'm happy about it. We have carbon monoxide detectors on every floor, too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907505 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 14:40:19 +0000 Littlebit7 2907505@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bees_knees: Definitely watch for sales!<br /> We've installed about half of our system. We painted the sensors to match our black windows. It looks really nice (we just used spray paint. It was really easy to set up. Id suggest getting the extra loud alarm. The alarm in the base station is sort of loud, but not knock your pants off. If I was upstairs in the shower and it went off, I'm not sure if I'd hear it. We weren't really sure if we needed the cameras, but i Like that I can log on if an alarm goes off and check to see if it was just my asshole cat, or if someone is really breaking in, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907495 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:17:39 +0000 bees_knees 2907495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: Ooooo that makes sense (about the smoke detector). Thanks! Their system looks so appealing, especially that you can add whatever you need and not be in any crazy monitoring contract! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907493 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:15:15 +0000 Littlebit7 2907493@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think (or at least this is what we are doing) you need one more per floor. We have hard wired too. You will get alerts if any of the simpli safe fire alarms go off, and I’m assuming our hardwired will go off as well. So if you are home, everything will function as normal. If you are away, all of your fire alarms will go off, AND you’ll get contacted by your monitoring service. </p> <p>And yes, I their cameras will alert if they sense motion. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2907490 Fri, 03 Jan 2020 13:08:56 +0000 bees_knees 2907490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Reviving this because now I'm in the market! I'm looking for a security system but mostly for things like water/freeze sensors, driveway alert, smoke/carbon monoxide detector. </p> <p>@Littlebit7: SimpliSafe looks like a good one. I'm confused by the smoke detector though? Do I really only need one (additional) one per floor? Ours are also hard wired. Also, do you know if SimpliSafe camera's will alert you if they sense motion? </p> <p>I actually like the features of the NestProtect the most, just having a hard time swallowing the price tag (we'd need 8-9). BUT I'm trying to justify it because it's a safety issue...right? haha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901810 Thu, 07 Nov 2019 21:07:05 +0000 Littlebit7 2901810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are finally closing on our gut Reno next week and skipped the hardwired system. I bought a SimpliSafe system instead. We have hardwired smoke detectors; so yes, we will have to buy another smoke detector per floor. I like that I can make a system ad hoc. I also like I’m not locked into anything. Keep an eye on the websites around any holiday. I caught a flash sale and got 50% off my entire custom system. It seems simple and I like that I can add things like water and freeze sensors. It’s more for peace of mind when I’m away (break ins rarely happen in our super urban area). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901782 Thu, 07 Nov 2019 13:17:33 +0000 agold 2901782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MACSUNSHINE: They have great customer service, in my experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901563 Tue, 05 Nov 2019 09:47:47 +0000 Jennibenni 2901563@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We use a local company and I find the price reasonable and the service good. I’d at least price someone local to get an idea! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901530 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 20:08:37 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2901530@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold thanks simpli safe is on my list to consider. </p> <p>@rocker2014 thanks, we will likely talk to our cable company as well. We have friends that have their system, we have at least 8 doors to chime (don’t ask). I just don’t know that the monitoring is worth it, will probably talk to a local alarm company as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901515 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:57:49 +0000 Rocker2014 2901515@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MACSUNSHINE: We have the most basic option from Comcast, primarily because the package was on sale and it was cheaper to bundle it with cable than get just the cable. The one awesome thing about the system is a loud door chime every time the front or back door is opened. This is the only thing we use it for! I think you can set it up to notify your phone as well. </p> <p>Otherwise Comcast sucks - Bring back my Outlander on STARZ, lol! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901514 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 16:40:11 +0000 periwinklebee 2901514@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@agold: Thank you!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901508 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 15:21:42 +0000 agold 2901508@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have nest products all over my house. But for alarm, I have simpli safe and I'm really happy so far. Its been an easy company to deal with. I'm not sure if that's an option you'd consider, but I am happy with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901475 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 11:22:12 +0000 Sams Mom 2901475@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MACSUNSHINE: Vivint has the option to see if your garage door is open or closed and the ability to open/close it remotely. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901469 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 11:02:05 +0000 periwinklebee 2901469@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@nwm: Thank you, super helpful!!! This is good also to hear about the thermostats - ours are old (one is completely broken), so I really need to be looking into this as well. And you all have inspired me to wait for a Black Friday sale. We set aside a budget to do stuff like this when we bought the house, but it still hurts my frugal side - getting a good deal on Black Friday would definitely help 😂 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901463 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 10:52:40 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2901463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hijacking as I have been debating what to do for our home, I love the smoke/CO suggestions. Does anyone have anything that notifies you when exterior doors are opened? We live on a river and for both security (I am alone at night a lot) and to keep the kids safe I want something that identifies the doors opening. I debate if monitoring is actually necessary. TIA! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901435 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 22:03:38 +0000 nwm 2901435@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We also have Nest Protects and like them for all the reasons @charm55: described. We also have Nest cams so can use them in some respects as alarm systems (you can have them alert when they detect motion &amp; you're not there), but for free once you buy the gear. We don't have it set to alarm or anything, though, we just can check if it alerts to movement and it seems like movement we are not expecting. We don't have doorbell but that might be good. We also have the thermostats (which we LOVE) and that is v interesting that they didn't interact, didn't know that!</p> <p>Also, my DH got the Nest Protects on a super sale (maybe Black Friday?) so def something to look out for. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901431 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 21:16:53 +0000 periwinklebee 2901431@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@crazydoglady: 😑 that completely sucks. And I find it ridiculous that this industry is centered around 3 year (!) contracts. </p> <p>@Sams Mom: Thank you - I hadn't heard of this!</p> <p>@charm55: This is great to hear about Nest! These were the smart smoke detectors I was looking at - I really like that they will tell you exactly where the danger is, which could be lifesaving in a worst case scenario. It's super useful to hear from someone who actually has them! </p> <p>@LCTBQE: Not sure if you also have a Nest thermostat, but if so the smoke detectors will automatically shut down your HVAC when they go off, which is the first thing the fire department does when they arrive on the scene. I don't have either, but would love both. I'm not super concerned about theft. It could definitely happen, but we just don't have that much of value or things that would be too difficult to replace under our home owner's policy, though I'm sure it would be a pain. The main reason I find it useful is fire, it can spread super fast and by the time the neighbors see smoke come out your roof it is usually way too late. Our contractor accidentally set off our smoke alarm - we hadn't signed the monitoring contract but the company hadn't realized that, it called the fire department, and they were there within five minutes of the alarm going off. Got a call on my way to work "this is the fire department and we're en route to a call at your property", which was horrifying, but good to have that peace of mind... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901428 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 20:50:23 +0000 charm55 2901428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LCTBQE: I highly recommend it!! I've been looking into the nest cameras too....I'm not interested in paying a monthly fee for a professional alarm monitoring system...even if the Nest is a joke maybe it fool me and ease my anxiety when DH is traveling for work and I'm alone? I feel like it would kind of be like our 10 year old bulldog (before he passed last year)....LAZIEST dog in the world who wouldn't lift an eyelid if ten strangers came in but just having him in the house made me feel better, lol. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901424 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 19:47:55 +0000 LCTBQE 2901424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@charm55: Wow I'm sold on these!! We have Nest for doorbells and alarm and a couple of cameras, I didn't know about this product though as my husband researched/installed all the other stuff. It sounds great, just asked him about it and he told me he was just being cheap and that's why he didn't get them, but he's into it and I'm adding it to my black friday wishlist. Thanks for the rec. I live in perpetual anxiety that I took the batteries out of our traditional detector during a cooking/baby asleep incident and forgot to put them back in. </p> <p>@periwinklebee: per above, we have Nest--I'm undecided whether or not it's a joke. For sure the alarm is loud as fuck and scared the bejesus out of our cleaning lady and our friend the two times we forgot/miscommunicated, so I think in the event of a break in it might scare someone off--but I'm not sure if the monitoring system is on par (or just the same) as like an ADT type of deal, curious if anyone else responds with authority on that. like @crazydoglady: I'd be reluctant to get in bed with expensive assholes with bad customer service for a years-long contract just because prior owner liked doing business with them. How bad is crime in your area? Have your neighbors heard stories about home invasion? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901416 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 15:54:52 +0000 JJ2626 2901416@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have Frontpoint. We actually don’t have the CO/Smoke feature but I’m thinking of getting it. You set it all up yourself and there’s an app you can use to turn it on/off and check on things. I really like it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901413 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 13:45:30 +0000 charm55 2901413@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have several Nest Protects - it’s not a home alarm system but it’s the best Smoke/CO alarm ever. We got it after we came home from an afternoon out to a house full of smoke. It’s a long story and luckily there was no fire but it scared the beejeebus out of me. We went and bought these right away and they give me so much peace of mind. </p> <p>Things I like about it:<br /> -it alerts my phone the second it detects smoke/CO. If I’m out I can then go home and check or call the fire department.<br /> -I can silence it from my phone if it is just from cooking. It speaks and alerts my phone before it sounds so I know that it’s coming.<br /> -the alarms are all linked and they all speak to tell you exactly where the danger is : “there’s smoke in the kitchen. The alarm may sound. The alarm is loud” etc. I like that if we ever woke up to a fire I wouldn’t waste time trying to figure out where it’s coming from and we would know the best route out immediately.<br /> -it’s constantly doing automatic (silent) internal tests and I can check on the app whenever I want to make sure everything is Ok and up to date.<br /> -it lights up at night when it senses motion and doubles as a pathway light</p> <p>Obviously it doesn’t act as an alarm system but for $125 per alarm if all you want is smoke/CO detection it may be a much cheaper option to look into. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901407 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 11:25:15 +0000 Sams Mom 2901407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have Vivint, I like it for the most part but it frustrates me sometimes. The way we set it up is you pick what hardware you want, and they do 0% financing for a couple years or whatever. So you do have a contact to the extent of paying for the equipment. Then you choose of you want it monitored or not, which is like $25-30 a month I think. You can choose to cancel monitoring at anytime, but you have the hardware fee until it's paid off. I think we pay about $55 a month between equipment and monitoring. </p> <p>We have glass break sensors, video doorbell, 2 exterior cameras, window, and door sensors. We already had a ecobee thermostat so didn't go with that, but I think Nest integrates with it. They also have automatic garage door closers, smoke and CO2 sensors, smart outlet, indoor cameras, all sorts of things. You can choose to add things as you go and pay everything up front or finance depending on what you want to do. </p> <p>I like the app and the panel are easy to use, the install went great, there is lifetime warranty on the equipment... But we have had a couple issues with the smart hub and our doorbell was on the fritz on Halloween, but that is the most action it's ever seen 😂🤷🏼‍♀️. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901406 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 11:08:34 +0000 crazydoglady 2901406@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do Ring. We are finally getting out of a contract for 3 freaking years. We've never used the alarm. It's a long story, just don't get in a contract. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/home-alarm-system#post-2901405 Sun, 03 Nov 2019 10:59:41 +0000 periwinklebee 2901405@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd like to have a home alarm system primarily for the smoke/CO monitoring (so if there's a fire while we're away, the fire department will get called before the house burns down). Looking for insights on what companies others have used and whether you've been satisfied....</p> <p>To (try to) make a long story short, my dilemma is that the previous residents had a fancy system installed by a company called American Alarm. We looked into renewing the contract, but the salesperson was incredibly obnoxious and the monitoring fees are really expensive relative to Ring. We told our contractor (we're doing some renovations) that we didn't want to renew with them - but he disregarded this and had them come out and do an (outrageously, in my view) expensive repair to a portion of the system that got disconnected during the renovations. He's now arguing forcefully against changing to a new system, claiming that Ring is a total joke, etc, etc. But perhaps it's just because he screwed up on having our old system repaired, and doesn't want us arguing that we won't pay for it since we told him we didn't want it... </p> <p>Ring has much cheaper monitoring and some nice features, but the costs of changing hardware add up and of course they could always increase their monitoring prices - which are pretty cheap now relative to their competitors. The alarm hardware itself is not too pricey, with frequent promotions, but what starts to get really expensive in switching systems is that all of our smoke and CO detectors are hooked into the current alarm system and won't work if it's disconnected. By the time you count the alarms in the unfinished basement and attic, there's a lot of them, and smart alarms (which have safety features I really like) are expensive... Our thermostats are also hardwired into the alarm system, and I'm not 100% sure what will happen to them if the alarm system is disconnected. I'm not a handy person and DH is even less handy, and I worry about the time costs and potential to screw something up with installing new alarm sensors, wired smoke detectors, etc. The fact that I'm nearly 8 months pregnant is making it feel more overwhelming. </p> <p>On the other hand, I know once I sign a multi-year monitoring contract with American Alarm, if something goes wrong with the existing system you are essentially hostage and they can charge a lot for repairs or new equipment. It kind of feels like dealing with Comcast... </p> <p>Bottom line: switch to a system with much cheaper monitoring costs (for now at least), and eat the expense and hassle of installing a bunch of new equipment in the short-run, or just suck it up and pay for the monitoring costs with the system that we already have all the functioning hardware for... </p>